High Rise Construction Market Report UK 2026-2030
The 4th edition of the High-Rise Construction Market Report, covering 2026 to 2030, offers valuable intelligence for construction firms, supply chain partners, housing associations, developers, investors, and other key stakeholders operating across both residential and commercial high‑rise markets. It covers the structure and size of the UK high-rise buildings market, with analysis by building size, end use sector and region.
The report includes analysis of the legislative and regulatory changes in relation to fire safety in high-rise buildings, such as the Building Safety Act and Building Safety Regulator, and implications for the sector.
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Market Summary
The UK high-rise construction market is growing, and indications are that it will continue to do so over the next few years. As urban populations continue to rise, the demand for high-rise buildings is set to increase, particularly in metropolitan areas and for residential uses. While London remains the epicenter for high-rise developments, there is a notable shift toward other towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Report Overview
This report offers a detailed analysis of the UK high-rise construction market, including insights into growth trends, project pipelines, and key market drivers. The report evaluates the types of high-rise buildings being constructed, highlights significant regional developments, and provides profiles of major specialists within the industry. Additionally, considerations surrounding sustainability and safety regulations are discussed to inform stakeholders of the evolving landscape. This includes a detailed summary of the evolving building safety regulatory environment.
Market Size
In 2025, over 80 high-rise buildings were delivered in the UK – equating to a significant market value. The number of high-rise buildings being completed has risen over the past decade, and there is a robust pipeline indicating continued expansion.
Market Trends and Influences
Key trends shaping the high-rise market include:
- Â The demand for new homes.
- A lack of space in urban areas.
- The Building Safety Act and new regulatory regime.
- A drive to improve the quality of offices to Grace A standard, improving sustainability and wellbeing and encouraging workers back to the office.
- The acceleration of safety and regulatory standards leading to innovative design considerations to enhance building safety.
- Greater regional diversification as cities outside London gain momentum in high-rise developments, driven by factors such as land availability, reduced costs, and strategic government initiatives.
- The increasing integration of sustainability practices within construction methodologies, responding to regulatory pressures and consumer preferences for greener living.
- The rise of modular and prefabricated construction techniques, tapping into efficiencies that can accelerate project timelines and reduce costs.
Product CategoriesÂ
Product areas covered include:
- Structural engineering solutions.
- Facade systems and cladding.
- Elevators and vertical transportation systems.
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services.
- Fire protection systems and safety technologies.
Companies MentionedÂ
This report features key players within the high-rise construction sector, including:
- Multiplex
- Mace Group
- Sir Robert McAlpine
- Lendlease
- Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd
- McLaren Construction
Regional AnalysisÂ
An analysis of the regional landscape for high-rise construction highlights a shift from London-centric projects to increased development in areas such as the West Midlands, Northwest, and parts of Scotland. Local government initiatives and investments are fostering new infrastructure and creating opportunities beyond traditional hubs. As a result, cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow are becoming key players in high-rise construction, driven by favourable market dynamics, accessibility to land, and sustainable energy resources.
Market Forecast
The high-rise construction market is projected to expand as demand for urban housing and commercial space continues to rise. Economic indicators are expected to gradually improve, encouraging investors and developers to move forward. Ongoing advancements in construction methodologies, particularly in sustainability and safety, will shape the future landscape of high-rise buildings.
1 INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background
- 1.2 Definition
- 1.3 Abbreviations
- 1.4 Sources of information
2 SUMMARY AND PROSPECTS
- 2.1 Key Trends and Developments
- 2.2 UK Regions and London
- 2.3 Key End-Use Sectors
3 UK OVERVIEW OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
-
- 3.1 UK High-Rise Buildings
- 3.1.1 UK’s Tallest Buildings
- 3.2 High Rise Sector Trends
- 3.3 Construction Output in the High-rise Buildings Sector
4 KEY INFLUENCES
- 4.1 The Hackitt Report and Grenfell Inquiry
- 4.1.1 Hackitt Recommendations
- 4.1.2 Grenfell Inquiry
- 4.1.3 Inquiry Recommendations
- 4.1.4 Changes to date
- 4.2 Delays
- 4.3 Building Safety Regulations 2025
- 4.4 Housing Health and Safety Rating System
- 4.5 Planning policy for high-rise buildings
5 REGIONAL REVIEW
- 5.1.1 London – high-rise buildings strategies
- 5.2 London high-rise development pipeline 2026-2030
- 5.3 Other regions high-rise development pipeline
- 5.3.1 North West
- 5.3.2 West Midlands
- 5.3.3 South East
- 5.3.4 Yorkshire and Humberside
- 5.3.5 East of England
- 5.3.6 4.4.6 Scotland
- 5.3.7 4.4.7 South West
- 5.3.8 East Midlands
- 5.3.9 North East
- 5.3.10 Wales
6 END-USE SECTORS
- 6.1 Overview
- 6.2 Residential
- 6.2.1 Affordable housing
- 6.2.2 Private Rental Sector (PRS)
- 6.3 Commercial Office
7 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND COSTS
- 7.1 Cost Elements
- 7.1.1 Space efficiency
- 7.1.2 Structural Safety
- 7.1.2 Vertical Transportation, elevators and lifts
- 7.2 Cost variations by building use
- 7.3 High-rise Construction Costs by Element
- 7.3.1 Superstructure
- 7.4 Construction methods and considerations
- 7.4.1 Off-site construction
- 7.4.2 Top-down construction
- 7.5 Fire and life safety
- 7.6 Sustainability/environmental considerations
- 7.6.1 Net zero
- 7.6.2 Environmental rating schemes
- 7.6.3 Architectural Greenery and Vegetated buildings
- 7.6.4 Eco-friendly building materials
- 7.6.5 Energy
- 7.7 Examples of sustainable building
- 7.8 Smart Buildings
- 7.9 Multi-level living
- 7.10 Refurbishment and Retrofitting
- 7.11 Key materials and product suppliers for high-rise buildings
- 7.11.1 Product suppliers
8 COMPANIES AND CONTRACTING
- 8.1 Key Construction Companies and Contractors in the High-Rise Buildings Sector
- 8.1.1 Contractor’s Market Share in the High-rise Sector
- 8.2 Construction Contractor Profiles
- 8.2.1 Multiplex
- 8.2.2 Mace
- 8.2.3 Sir Robert McAlpine (SRA)
- 8.2.4 Lendlease
- 8.2.5 Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd
- 8.2.6 McLaren Construction Ltd
- 8.3 Construction and professional services
- 8.3.1 Developers/Investors:
- 8.3.2 Architects:
- 8.3.3 Construction main/lead contractors (not covered in the main profiles):
- 8.3.4 Consulting engineers
- 8.3.5 Landscape Architects
- 8.3.6 Project Management
- 8.3.7 Planning
- 8.3.8 Quantity Surveying
- 8.3.9 Transport Consultants
Figure 1: Number of UK high-rise buildings completed, by storeys 2016 to 2025
Figure 2: Top 20 UK high-rise buildings by city and year of completion
Figure 3: UK High-Rise Buildings Completed, by Storeys 2016 – 2025
Figure 4: UK High-Rise Pipeline: Buildings Scheduled for completion, by Storeys, 2026 – 2027
Figure 5: 7 to 14 storey and 15+ storey by year of scheduled completion 2015 to 2030, annually
Figure 6: 15+ storey completions 2015 to 2034, five year increments
Figure 7: Annual Total Value and Number of Projects in the High-Rise Building Market, based on planning data, 2021 to 2030
Figure 8: UK High-Rise Buildings (15+ storeys) Completed between 2000 and 2025, and pipeline from 2026 to 2030, by City
Figure 9: London High-Rise Buildings Development Pipeline % Share by End-Use Sector 2021-2027
Figure 10: Regional High-Rise Buildings Development Pipeline % Share by End-Use Sector pre-2026 and 2026 onwards
Figure 11: North West high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 12: North West project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 13: West Midlands high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 14: West Midlands project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 15: South East high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 16: South East project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 17: Yorkshire and Humberside high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 18: Yorkshire and Humberside project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 19: East of England high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 20: East of England project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 21: Scotland high rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 22: Scotland project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 23: South West high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 24: South West project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 25: East Midlands high rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 26: East Midlands project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 27: North East high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 28: North East project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 29: Wales high-rise project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by value £m
Figure 30: Wales project pipeline 2026 to 2030 by sector, by share of projects
Figure 31: Split of High-Rise projects by Primary End Use Sector, 2021 to 2030
Figure 32: High-Rise Building % by Primary End Use Sector 2021, 2025 and 2028
Figure 33: UK High-rise Buildings (7+ storeys) by End Use Sector, output (pre 2026) and pipeline (2026 onwards)
Figure 34: Share of UK Residential High-Rise by region, all buildings seven storeys and above completed or due for completion from 2016 onwards
Figure 35: Share of UK Hotel and Catering High-Rise by region, all buildings seven storeys and above completed or due for completion from 2016 onwards
Figure 36: Share of UK Commercial and Retail High-Rise by region, all buildings seven storeys and above completed or due for completion from 2016 onwards
Figure 37: Completions by Main Sectors 2016 to 2025 actual, and 2026 to 2032 pipeline
Figure 38: Completions per year by sector, including pipeline – Commercial & Retail, Hotel & Catering, Residential
Figure 39: Completions per year by sector, including pipeline – PBSA
Figure 40: Office Market – Regional Summary Data by City, 2025
Figure 41: High Buildings: Construction Costs (Installed Prices) by Type of Building (London and the Regions) 2020
Figure 42: High-Rise Buildings Construction Costs % Shares by Element
Figure 43: Proportion of Planning Applications with completion dates from 2026 onwards referencing Balconies, by sector
Figure 44: Proportion of Planning Applications with completion dates from 2026 onwards referencing Green Walls, by sector
Figure 45: Proportion of Planning Applications with completion dates from 2026 onwards referencing Sedum Roofs, by sector
Figure 46: Proportion of Planning Applications with completion dates from 2026 onwards referencing Blue Roofs, by sector
Figure 47: Proportion of planning applications with completion dates from 2026 onwards referencing different types of renewable energy installations, by sector
Figure 48: Leading Contractors in High-Rise Construction Number & Value of Contract Awards 2016-2030 at H1 2026
Figure 49: Main Structural Engineering Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 50: Main Mechanical Engineering Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 51: Main Civil Engineering Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 52: Main Landscape Architecture Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 53: Main Project Management Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 54: Main Planning Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 55: Main Quantity Surveying Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
Figure 56: Main Transport Consultant Firms Working on High-Rise Projects, ranked by number of projects, 2026 ongoing
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